Top Michael Jackson Songs and What Makes Them Great

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Michael Jackson is the ultimate entertainer. A singer, songwriter, producer and dancer; Jackson is certainly a legend - albeit a tainted one. Inspired by James Brown - the Godfather of soul - Jackson produced songs that remain popular decades after they were released.

That Michael Jackson wrote several of his hit tunes makes them even more enjoyable. In assessing the top Michael Jackson song - the song itself is not the only thing to consider. Concert favourites and accompanying music videos, longevity and sales should also be factored in assessing the top tunes. Unsurprisingly, all of my initial selections can be found on the "Michael Jackson: Number Ones" DVD.

1) Billie Jean

Billie Jean is a very innovative song about a paternity dilemma. It included a new sound, a very distinctive and multi-tracking. Staying at the top of the Billboard 100 and R&B charts, Billie Jean remains the best-selling Jackson sing with over 5 million copies.

Jackson performed this tune at Motown's 25th Anniversary performance and it remained a hit at later concerts- from Victory in 1984 to the Jacksons' Reunion in 2001. Billie Jean was also one of the top five most requested singles in 1983. The accompanying music video for this song helped its popularity to soar. You can hear this tune all over the world- more than 25 years later.

2) Beat It

Beat It represented one of Jackson's crossover tunes. Along with Billie Jean, the video received heavy rotation on MTV upon its release. The song had a positive anti-gang message, with the rock element seeming to capture the danger of it all. Beat It was in the top 20 of the most requested tunes from 1983. The electric guitar solo from Van Halen and the infectious funk-rock beat that Jackson sung at full-pitch easily makes Beat It one of the signature tunes from the exponentially popular Thriller album.

3) Don't stop 'til you get enough

Although accompanied by a good enough music video, this tune did not need one. The third most requested single from 1979 displayed many of Jackson's signature vocals and an upbeat blend of funk, pop and disco. Unlike other disco tunes, DSTYGE maintained its popularity. Thirty years after its release, it is still in heavy rotation, especially at retro parties. Many of Jackson's later releases cannot compare.

Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough is one of the best because it appeals to a cross-section of music lovers. This groovy tune could even make a couch potato feel to dance. The worldwide acclaim of this single is duly recorded. According to Wikipedia, "The song achieved staggering success in several countries and established Jackson as the biggest and most recognizable male disco solo-artist worldwide".

4) Black Or White

Black Or White was the biggest hit from the Dangerous album of 1991. It was the in the top 20 of most requested singles from 1991. It was both controversial and infectious on release. Black Or White was accompanied by a very entertaining music video that helped it shoot to the top of the charts. The song itself fused elements of hard rock and rap- contributing to its crossover appeal.

5) Rock With You

Rock With You was one of Michael Jackson's hit tracks from his Off The Wall album. The video from this song would never make it to the top ten Jackson videos. The video included Jackson in a ridiculous, sequined outfit illuminated by disco lights. Rock With You is in the top five of Jackson's tune because of the strength of the melody and lyrics. It included the multi-tracking technique previously employed by Marvin Gaye. This track is heavily influenced by the disco era and became popular in spite of the paradigm shift in the music landscape soon after its release in 1980.

Jackson first realised the influenced of TV on music when he performed "Dancing Machine" with his brothers on a live program in 1974. Michael introduced 'The Robot' that night. The following day, kids all over the U.S. were trying to do the robot and that track soared in popularity. Many of Jackson's most popular songs benefited from video accompaniment.

There are several Michael Jackson songs that just missed out on mention in the top five. Tunes from the Bad album like the title-track Bad, Man in the Mirror and Smooth Criminal probably deserve mention. The tunes in the top-five are essentially timeless pieces that don't have a shelf-life. You may still find yourself grooving to a couple of them at your next dance party.